World: Flooding in Tbilisi

Flooding that occurred in the city of Tbilisi, Georgia Saturday night has left dozens of people without homes, thousands without water and electricity, and at least 12 people dead. The city has an additional problem to face, though, as nearly half of the animals from a local zoo holding approximately 600 animals have escaped and are wandering the streets of the city. Tbilisi Zoo spokeswoman Mzia Sharashidze said that 20 wolves, eight lions, an unknown number of tigers, jackals, and jaguars have been shot dead by Special Forces or are missing within the city. An escaped hippo was also cornered in a city square and tranquilized. Mayor David Narmania urged “the populace to refrain from moving around the city without” a critical need to do so. The Ministry of Internal Affairs also urged residents to stay indoors until further notice but also stated that the situation is “under full control.”